New Reel Advice

[peakoverload]

I don't seem to be having much luck. A few months ago I returned to fishing after a 10 year absence but even though I didn't go fishing during that time I kept all of my gear and always made sure it was looked after.

However on returning to the sport I found one reel had 'died' (spring or something inside had snapped) in the loft, my favorite rod snapped one day whilst putting new line through the eyes and now I think I have a problem with one of my baitrunner reels.

I have a Shimano Aero GT 6010 which is now 'behaving' differently to how I remembered it. For example:

1. There seems to be a lot of play in the spool. With the spool attached I can move the spool about 1cm in either direction. I'd expect some movement but that seems excessive.

2. When winding the spool moves up and down as it should but when it gets to the bottom it 'kicks' slightly anti-clockwise. I don't know if this is normal or not.

3. When nothing is attached to the line the reel feels okaaayyy considering the points above but when casting out a bomb or feeder and reeling it back in the whole spool assembly feels very loose, it sounds rough and basically doesnt give me confidence. What is weird is that the line lay doesnt look too bad, not the best I've seen but not the worst either.

So firstly, anyone have any opinions on all of this, is this normal, is the reel knackered?

Secondly I'm now looking for a replacement reel. I've been away from fishing for so long now that I don't really know what to get. In terms of spec I know I want the following:

1. Must have baitrunner/free spool facility
2. Really prefer a double handle
3. Deep spools. My current reel takes 250m or 0.35mm diameter or 170m of 0.40mm line so something similar would be good.
4. I know that front drag is now more desired than rear drag but I've never got on with that so rear drag please.

In terms of the kind of fishing I do. I do go for Carp more often than not BUT I'm not a Carper. The biggest Carp I've ever caught was only 12lb and in the lakes I go to they average 7lb and although they do go to 25lb it would be an utter fluke if I ever caught one. Besides I prefer float fishing anyway However I do also use my Carp rods and reels for the odd bit of Piking so any new reel would have to suit that as well.

Any recommendations on models would be much appreciated.

[Portland Pirate]

I would say, bin your reel, unless you are strapped for cash. 10 years has probably seen it squashed in a box somewhere, the bearings have probably dried out, hence the problems.

If you can afford it buy a Shimano Bait Runner 6000 GTE B. Absolutely fantastic reels. Rear drag, which I love and the drag actually works unlike many of the cheap imitations.
I know I will get shot down for this but Okuma drags suck.

[Banana Steve]

Auctung! Auctung! Ze Portland pirate ist flying Past, Open ze fire



Try the Epix by Okuma, they are a top notch real, and are as good as any shimano and the drag is fine on them

[biggun]

Personally I have both Okuma and Shimano and would go for the Shimano Aero GTE 6000 B or even the 8000 B like mine.


The Okuma is good value for the money but you just can't go wrong with Shimano!

[peakoverload]

Cool, cheers for that. I can pick up the Shimano for £65 which is a bit of a bargin. Roll on pay day!! ;)

[Portland Pirate]

Originally Posted by Banana Steve

Auctung! Auctung! Ze Portland pirate ist flying Past, Open ze fire



Try the Epix by Okuma, they are a top notch real, and are as good as any shimano and the drag is fine on them

Good one Steve. I like it.

[peakoverload]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the:

Shimano Baitrunner Aero 6000 GTE - B

And

Shimano Baitrunner Aero 6000 GTE - C

Whats the difference of a letter?

The C appears to be more expensive than the B but what are you getting for the extra £30 and is it worth it?

[BoldBear]

I have a pair of Shimano GTE-B 5000's which are great reels for my Barbeling, which have excellent reviews. You can still pick them up for £60 - £75 if you look round.
Shimano GTE-B Review

Its replacement the Shimano GTE-C is also an excellent reel can be picked up from £67.99 from Hinders Shimano GTE-C

I dont think there is much between them except for minor improvements and colour but for £67.99 I wouldn't bother arguing if I had to replace my GTE-B's.

[peakoverload]

Cheers for that! Have ordered the GTE-C (eek!!). In the end I decided to get the 8000 instead of the 6000 as they were the same price and a bit of extra 'beef' can't hurt. Hopefully should turn up tomorrow or Friday. Only trouble is everywhere around me is flooded so won't be able to use it for a couple of weeks

[peakoverload]

Well it arrived and WOW! Fundamentally it's the same as my old reel i.e. it's just another Shimano Baitrunner yet it is sooooo much better in every possible way. It just glides and the rear drag is a vastly improved too.

Can't wait to use it now!